J. Henderson – Funeral Program (Draft)

Life &Legacy

On Sunday, February 19, 2023, The Lord stretched out his arms and welcomed Jeffery to his forever home.

Jeffery Allen Henderson affectionately known as Jeff, was born on January 15, 1962, in Flint, Michigan. He was born to the late Herman and Louise Coleman Henderson. While residing in Michigan, Jeff was a faithful member and served as the pianist at Foss Avenue Baptist Church, Flint, MI.

Jeff was the youngest of five children. He was a lot younger than his siblings. Jeff was able to spend time with young adults as a child. He obtained the knowledge and maturity that resulted in his own success as an adult. Jeff’s Mother made sure he was raised in the church, excelled in school, and studied classical piano. As with his older brothers, Jeff’s dad taught him responsibility, built character, and provided guidance as they worked on mechanical and carpentry projects together. When people marveled at Jeff’s mechanical aptitude, he said he was the last one to “hold the light” as he and his father worked on projects in the garage.

He was educated in the Flint Michigan school system where he graduated from Flint Southwestern High School in 1980. After spending a semester at Mott Community College, Jeff decided to join the U.S. Navy. He served his country for 8 years. Attaining the rank of E5. In the Navy, Jeff also served as a Culinary Specialist, and we all know he was a selfproclaimed Lasagna King. His lasagna would bring you to your knees! He was a veteran of the Persian Gulf War, also known as Operation Desert Storm.

After serving in the Navy at various duty stations, Jeff rooted himself in the Washington Metropolitan area where he began his career of 32 years in Security. He climbed the ranks in the field of security. Working for a variety of companies including New Age Protection Inc. and Allied Universal Security. His passion for work was unmatched. He was an impeccable employee, supervisor, and manager. He fostered great relationships with his subordinates, colleagues, and clients.

Jeff was Blessed with 3 beautiful children, Ebonie Sparks, Dominique Finklea, and Michael Price that he was truly proud of. As well as 2 fur babies, Ms. Nadia and Ms. Bear Henderson.

While working at the Bureau of Prisons, Jeff met the love of his life Debra Brown who he affectionally called “Babe”. Jeff and Debra were married in 2007 and enjoyed sharing their Love and spending time with family and friends. During their courtship and marriage, Jeff developed a love for traveling. They have traveled to many Caribbean Islands and Europe. When not working, one of his favorite pastimes was “Movie Night” with his Babe. Jeff was an avid movie enthusiast and had a knack for picking as well as recommending great movies and TV series. Jeff and Debra were inseparable. You would find them supporting family and friends, vacationing, and just enjoying life. One of the most memorable vacations was Jeff’s 60th birthday in January 2022 with a celebration in Cancun, Mexico joined by family and friends.

Jeff’s hobbies included motorcycle riding, watching NASCAR racing and his biggest project “restoring his 1999 Collectors Chevy Tahoe”. He loved the restoration process. Also, Jeff’s biggest excitement was experiencing his 1st Hot Rod Power Tour in 2021. The Long Hauler which was hailed as the Largest Road Trip in America. Jeff exuded excitement and couldn’t wait to recap the activities with “Babe “in each state toured. Starting in Summit Motorsports Park in Norwalk, Ohio and ending the 5-state tour in Champaign, Illinois covering over 2000 miles within 5 days.

Jeff leaves to cherish his fond memories: his beautiful and devoted wife Debra Henderson, and 2 fur babies, Ms. Nadia and Ms. Bear Henderson of Temple Hills, MD, two loving daughters: Ebonie (David) Sparks (South Carolina), Dominique (Chris) Finklea (Mississippi) and one son Michael Price (Virginia). Grandchildren: Preston and Brielle Sparks, Sister: Myra (Craig) Jackson, Brothers: Herman Fry, Rodney Fry, and Kenneth (Shelia) Henderson, Motherin-love Sandra Brown , Brothers-in-law: Bruce (Kedija) Duncan, Adrian Brown, and Vernon Brown, Sisters-in-law: Sharnene Smith, Pretina Brown and Verna Tyler and a host of nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, family, and friends.

Jeff was a laid back, well reserved and very observant guy. He was a man of a few words, but his presence spoke volumes.

Order of Service

Officiant…………........……………………………………….......……………….Pastor Anthony Sumlin

Processional

Musical Selection……………………………………………………...………....His eyes is on the Sparrow

Scripture Readings……………………………………….....…………………………..Ms. Batesia Baynes

Old Testament: Psalm 23

New Testament: John 14:1-7

Prayer of Comfort…….......................………………………………………..…Minister Tammie Edmunds

Musical Selection…………………….…………………………….Jesus Promised Me A Home Over There

Reflections / Acknowledgements

Dance Tribute

Reflections (2 minutes)

Mrs. Myra Jackson

Mr. Herman Frye

Mister MaKai (Boy Lee) Harris

Mr. Dennis Lawrence

Mr. Kenneth Henderson

Shelby Weaver

Peyton Atkins

Musical Selection…………………......................................…………………….Never would have made it

Eulogy…………………...………………………………………….....................…..Pastor Anthony Sumlin

Closing Hymn……………...……………………………………................................……….Pastor Raimon

Jackson Recessional

Repast Arcadia Center 7823 Parston Drive Forestville, MD 20747

Internment

Tuesday, March 21, 2023 | 11:15am

Cheltenham Veterans Cemetery 11301 Crain Highway

Cheltenham, MD 20623

Special Words

My Love, My Soulmate, My Best Friend

The moment you left me My heart split in two. One side filled with memories the other side died with you. I often lay awake at night when everyone’s asleep. Taking a walk down memory lane with tears upon my cheek. Remembering you is easy, I do it every day. But missing you is a heartache that never goes away. I hold you tightly within my heart, in there you will remain. Forever coated with memories of our love to take away the pain.

“Babe”

Oh, how I miss so much of the little things-- like the smile on your face when you came home from work. How you would always repolish my toenails when the polish chipped, our movie nightsband our favorite TV series Yellowstone. Most of all I’m going to miss my travel partner, going to buy you more clothes when you would always say “I have plenty, I don’t need anything else”, and I would say, “yes you do”, you wore that on the last vacation. I will forever remember 2022, when we took several international trips. One was to celebrate your milestone 60th. Another was my double nickels (55th) in Aruba when you pulled off a big surprise and had me in tears. I looked at you and said, “Job well done; you were finally able to pull something over on me”.

Thank you Babe, for your endless love.

That will help me through each day and Thank you for the memories we’ve shared, that will never fade away.

Jeff, you will always be My soulmate, My love, My best friend. I miss you so much and I will love you forever. Rest peacefully Love,

– Your Loving Wife, Debra aka “Babe”

Special Words

As a teen, my Baby Brother Jeff always came running when I walked in the front door. I’d swoop him up in my arms. Eventually, he outgrew me but always made me feel so welcome in his presence. I could always depend on Jeff. Whether I was stranded with no power or on a business trip, he always welcomed me. I will always be indebted to Debra and Jeff for helping my son, Craig Jr get settled when he moved to Maryland. Jeff assisted him in many ways. Jeff even took Craig, Jr to the hospital after he was bitten by a poisonous brown recluse spider. I don’t know what we would have done without Jeff.

– Love your Sister, Myra

My Uncle Jeff and I fundamentally had a lot in common. We were the youngest siblings in a huge family of amazing personalities. Uncle Jeff was the youngest brother of my mom, Myra Jackson. He and I could always relate to being a little bit different. We were reminded by our older siblings that they remembered when we were born, or how we were as little boys. I admired this about Uncle Jeff. I looked up to his hobbies such as his love for motorcycles, knack for grilling the perfect steak, and undeniable appreciation for an awesome movie. When I moved to DC, Uncle Jeff was naturally there for me. Whether it was giving my parents “peace of mind” about where I lived, hosting me for dinner when no one else was there, or taking me to urgent care for a poisonous spider bite, Uncle Jeff never questioned why/how. He was an amazing influence in my life. He just was. And always will be. I will always remember my Uncle Jeff as the strong, confident, and loyal man that helped me understand that it’s cool to be the youngest. Because we’re the most fun. Love you Uncle Jeff!

– Craig Jr.

To Jeff

My brother, I thank God for blessing us with you. We’ve had many hearts to hearts I’ll cherish forever. The memories I’ll hold dear to my heart. You’ve touched so many hearts. I’m glad one of those hearts was mine. Even though you’re our angel now, you will forever be my brother. Thank you for loving me as your sister. Most of all I thank you for the way you loved my sister (Whitebread). You may not be with us in flesh, but your presence will always be felt. Miss you brother and love you always.

– Your sister, Tee Tee

To my Brotha, from another Motha, There are not enough “I Love You’s” I could say to prepare me for this day. We have so many precious memories, they are too numerous to list. Our special bond was not hidden, we ensured the world knew we were family even while you were in the hospital fighting. On the day God called you home, we were scheduled to be in Jamaica—one of the places we thought the blue water and white sand was as beautiful as paradise. However, the chariot came and took you to the REAL paradise where the streets are paved with gold. Brotha, you will always live on in my heart! Rest easy My Brotha till we meet again!

– Eternally Grateful to be Your “Sis”, Tammie

Until We Meet Again, Granddad

We think about you always, We talk about you still, You have never been forgotten, And You never will

We hold you close within our hearts and there you will remain, To walk and guide us through our lives, until we meet again.

– Your Grandkids, Preston & Brielle

Jeff: ONE MORE DAY

For thirty years I have been the Mr. Spock to your Captain Kirk or Doc Holiday to your Wyatt Earp. These characters I would continue to portray if we had just one more day.

I’ll be your Huckleberry. My Buddy, My Pal, My Friend until we meet again.

– Ron

The Day God Took You Home

A million times I’ve needed you, a million times I’ve cried…. If love could have saved you, you never would have died. In life I loved you dearly, in death I love you still. In my heart you hold a place, no one else can ever fill. It broke my heart to lose you, but you didn’t go along. Part of me went with you the day that GOD took you Home!

– Love You Dad, Ebonie

My unbiological brother, where do I begin? You were an ear to me when I needed advice. You told me what I needed to hear and not what I wanted to hear. You were a shoulder to cry on when I needed to shed a tear. People know you as quiet and reserved but you had a lot to say when you were with those that you cared for and loved. You looked after me without being overbearing. Even making me come to movie night with you and Babe to get out of the house. It didn’t matter to you that I’d fall asleep, as long as I was out of the house. There are so many things I could say about who you were. But everyone that knows you already knows this. Although I told you “I love you” each time I left your presence, it tears me apart to know without a voice, you told me you loved me, and I didn’t understand until it was too late. Rest easy Jeffery Allen Henderson! I share the pain of losing you with many people. You were loved and your earthly presence will be missed. I will forever hold you in my heart. – Love Always, Batesia

Acknowledgments

The family wishes to express our sincere appreciation for the heartfelt love extended to us during our time of sorrow. We praise God for keeping us strong throughout this difficult time. Every expression of prayer, love, and concern has helped sustain us. We pray God’s blessings upon you and yours.

Pall Bearers

Ronald Bryant, Dennis Lawrence, Bruce Duncan, Stacy Hampton, Marcos Alvarez, Artis Weaver Honorary Pall Bearers- David & Preston Sparks, Makai (Boy Lee) Harris, Leon Edmunds

Flower Bearers

Family and Friends

Special thanks to: Washington Hospital Center Team, Dr. Irina Veytsman, MD Medical Oncology, Dr. Pamela Randolph, MD Radiation Oncology

Services Entrusted to Stewart’s Funeral Home 4001 Benning Road, N.E. Washington, D.C. 20019